Apple Names Sabih Khan as COO Amid Strategic Shift Toward India and Sustainability
- Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive, has been appointed Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Jeff Williams.
- Khan has led Apple’s global supply chain and will now take on expanded responsibilities, including AppleCare and manufacturing strategy.
- He played a major role in reducing Apple’s carbon footprint and is expected to support Apple’s shift in manufacturing from China to India.
Apple has announced the appointment of Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive with three decades of experience at the tech giant, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Khan will succeed Jeff Williams, who is stepping down from the role this month and is set to retire later this year.
The leadership transition comes at a critical time for Apple, which is navigating challenges including slowing iPhone sales and shifting global trade dynamics. Williams, a 27-year veteran of the company, has played a pivotal role in Apple’s growth, overseeing its world-class supply chain, launching the Apple Watch, and leading the design and health teams.
Until his retirement, Williams will continue to lead Apple’s design and health initiatives. Post-retirement, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. In a statement, Cook lauded Williams for his legacy, calling him 'a key figure in Apple’s success'.
Sabih Khan joined Apple in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations. Since then, he has overseen the company’s global supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing operations. His promotion to COO marks a significant elevation in responsibilities, including leadership of AppleCare services.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of Apple’s supply chain”, said Tim Cook. “He has played a vital role in introducing advanced manufacturing technologies, expanding production in the United States, and improving our ability to respond to global challenges”.
Khan has also been instrumental in advancing Apple’s environmental goals. Under his leadership, Apple has reduced its carbon footprint by over 60 percent.
The appointment comes as Apple is increasingly shifting its manufacturing base from China to India, in a bid to diversify its production and mitigate tariff-related risks. Khan’s Indian roots and strategic insight are seen as assets in this evolving landscape.
Khan holds a degree in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
